An orthodontic treatment can provide not only cosmetic enhancement, but also numerous oral and general health improvements. In this article, we discuss braces for adults and their benefits. We also discuss cosmetic orthodontic options and what you can expect from your treatment.
Braces for Adults: Benefits, Expectations, and Cosmetic Options
Benefits of Braces
The most obvious benefit of an orthodontic treatment is the improvement of the appearance of your smile. Thus, an orthodontic treatment can solve the following issues:
- Teeth crowding
- Gaps between the teeth
- Rotated and crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Misaligned jaw
Also, as we mentioned before, an orthodontic treatment can also provide oral and general health benefits:
- Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean effectively on a daily basis, which means that plaque and tartar accumulation on your teeth will be minimized. As a result, your teeth will be less prone to cavities, and the risks of gum disease will be reduced.
- Oral health is closely related to the health of your entire body, especially the digestive system. Good gut health can also lead to improvements in your skin appearance, energy levels throughout the day, and even your mood. Additionally, some oral health issues, such as gum disease, can lead to heart, joint, and lung issues, all of which can be avoided if your teeth and gums are healthy.
- Proper teeth and bite alignment can reduce or eliminate tension in the jaw joint (TMJ), relieving neck and shoulder pain and headaches.
- Teeth that are correctly aligned wear out more slowly because there is no uneven force distribution during chewing.
- An orthodontic treatment can also improve your face’s appearance by making your facial structure more symmetrical. For example, correction of underbites and overbites can make the jawline more defined and balance the chin’s position. Also, you can notice more symmetry in the lips and improved muscle support and tonus in the cheeks. Lastly, expanding the dental arch leads to a broader smile, while overall alignment creates a more balanced facial profile.
What to Expect from an Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult
An orthodontic treatment for an adult can take anywhere from 6 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the case, with most treatments lasting around 18 months. In some cases, tooth removal may be necessary to create sufficient space in the mouth for the teeth to move.
During treatment, you should expect regular dental appointments, sometimes as often as once a week, as your braces will need to be adjusted for the treatment to progress.
Additionally, we recommend preparing for occasional discomfort from tooth movement. However, it typically lasts only a couple of days after adjustments and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers when necessary.
Also, you can expect to need to alter your diet, avoiding hard, sticky, and crunchy foods, and to adjust your oral hygiene routine for the duration of your treatment.
Cosmetic Options for Orthodontic Solutions
Today, patients can choose one of the following orthodontic solutions:
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces (more expensive, but less obtrusive in the mouth)
- Lingual braces (invisible in the mouth, but also more expensive)
- Clear aligners offer superior comfort compared to traditional braces, but may not be suitable for severe misalignment.
Get Braces at Santa Ana Magic Smile
If you are considering an orthodontic treatment, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Santa Ana Magic Smile. During your initial consultation, our specialists will examine your oral health, orthodontic needs, goals, and preferences to develop an optimal treatment plan. We are looking forward to your visit.
